Oakland Athletics: Picks to Click Heading into 2016

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(1-1, 6.20 ERA, in 20 1/3 innings pitched)

Aug 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Aaron Brooks (36) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Brooks, 25, is a southern California native, who attended California State University, San Bernardino and ultimately made his major league debut in 2014 after being selected in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the 2014 American League defending champions the Kansas City Royals. After Beane parted with his prized offseason acquisition, utility man Zobrist, Brooks immediately stepped into the Athletics rotation and without a doubt pitched the game of his life; tossing 7 1/3 solid frames of one-run baseball while striking out five.

As the highlights from the video demonstrate, the 6’4″ 225-pound right-hander has an impressive four-pitch arsenal, which includes a low-90s fastball to go along with his slider and curveball. However, if there’s one thing that sets Brooks apart from his competition, it’s his ability to throw and locate his change-up consistently in the lower portion of the strike zone. From a hitting perspective, it appears as if Brooks is rearing back for a heater up until the last second when the ball drops sharply out of sight and into the ground. Just by watching Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis, Brooks isn’t afraid to toss his “secret weapon” in any count — especially as a put-away pitch — leaving the opposition on their front foot, although stepping in right direction… back to the dugout!

Even though he throws his change-up only 28.9 percent of the time, it ultimately sets the table for his fastball and Brooks’ ability to paint the inside and outside corners effectively — whether it’s a right-handed or left-handed hitter stepping into the batter’s box. As impressive as Brooks was in his first two starts for Oakland, it was evident that his fastball command was anything but spot on. Time after time, his heater hung over the middle of the plate and didn’t to appear to have as much downward movement based on past performances.

Although, in the last seven weeks of the season, it’s all about evaluation and what the “young guns” can do moving forward. Brooks looks like a solid back of the rotation starter, and with some more seasoning, could flourish with the front of the pack.

Next: Canha Make his Mark as an Everyday Starter?